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Region: General | Usage example: They read the writing on the wall and started exiting the market

Read the writing on the wall

Meaning

See signs that something will happen

Usage

Used when sensing impending events

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Biblical account of mysterious script predicting doom

Figurative since antiquity

Related Idioms

Read the handwriting on the wall

See the signs that something is going to happen.

The writing is on the wall

Signs point to an inevitable end.

Write on the wall

A visible sign that something is about to fail.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.